Foxtrot Charlie - Cleared for takeoff
/
Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Foxtrot Charlie.
Pioneering a culture of food, coffee and all-around cool
vibe, Foxtrot Charlie delivers Melbournians a modish café in which to embrace
quality coffee.
The name comes from the code words in the NATO phonetic
alphabet for F and C (which represent Food and Coffee). An appropriate name we
think, given how owner, Costas has successfully created a quintessentially Melbourne
coffee hot spot which serves great food.
Serious about coffee, the café is its own boutique roaster,
roasting daily to ensure a consistent quality. The result is a blend tailored
to cut through the milk and ensure the coffee flavour is still present without
too much bitterness.
The food at Foxtrot Charlie is a big draw card - doing it
differently with a breakfast menu developed around the seasons and a balanced
lunch menu with daily specials that more than satisfies its neighbourhood
clientele that include business and residents alike.
House
made semolina gnocchi with tomato, speck and chilli
The light pillows of gnocchi were accompanied by a
rich, flavoursome sauce and lashings of savoury speck and spicy chilli. It was a simple dish, done well.
Asian style beef cheek served with a pickled salad of carrot, radish,
coriander and fried shallot
The beef cheek was tender and delicious, with caramel
undertones courtesy of being slow-braised in Chinese wine. Paired with an
earthy Asian braising sauce, the cheeks fell away at the weight of our spoons
whilst still retaining their integrity. The salad which sat atop the cheek
was the perfect accompaniment. Fresh, vibrant and crisp, the salad provided acidity
and texture. It was a magnificent dish.
Pistachio & Yoghurt Mousse cake
Our visit to Foxtrot Charlie concluded on a delectably sweet note. The Pistachio & Yoghurt Mousse cake had a vibrant
combination of flavours. The yoghurt mousse had a pleasant balance between tartness and
sweetness, blending well with the flavour and texture of the pistachio cake.
The accompanying rhubarb was cooked to perfection and a welcome addition
to the dessert.
Right: Fresh House Made Passionfruit Marshmallows
Service is yet another strong point. We were well attended to and the staff were
friendly, warm and welcoming.
The perfect embodiment of a thriving Melbourne café, Foxtrot Charlie is a weekend brunch mecca, drawing in the crowds week in week out with its excellent food, fantastic coffee and cheerful wait staff.
Location: 359 Sydney Road, Brunswick
Phone: 03 9387 3397
Cuisine: Modern Australian, Breakfast/Brunch, Coffee
